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Topic Review (Newest First)

05-02-2013 07:08 PM

302 Z28

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedanbob

Your call - I bolted mine for two reasons - I wanted it to match Henry's original (not going for a shaved look), and I didn't want the panel moving around a possibly chipping the paint.

FWIW my gas tank panel fits very tight at the top and does not move around at all. My 34 is a streetrod not a Henry Ford original.

Vince

05-02-2013 02:17 PM

sedanbob

Your call - I bolted mine for two reasons - I wanted it to match Henry's original (not going for a shaved look), and I didn't want the panel moving around a possibly chipping the paint.

05-02-2013 01:51 PM

Ozarkmark

Until you posted, I assumed I needed some kind of fasteners at the top of the cover to secure it to the body. Sounds like I don't.

05-02-2013 10:42 AM

302 Z28

I guess I am a little confused, where are you going to use elevator bolts? They are not needed at the gas tank cover to fender joint. Align the gas tank cover and fender and hold it in place with vise grips or a "C" clamp. Drill four 5/16" holes through both the fender flange and the gas tank cover flange and secure with bolts and self locking nuts, do not over tighten.

If you’re planning on using elevator bolts at the top of the gas tank cover IMHO they are not needed and you run the risk of making the cover not fit properly by adding the extra material for the elevator bolts.

I went through this very same thing on my 34 whether or not to put bolts in the top edge of the gas tank cover. The general consensus is they are not needed and mine have been that way going on seven years now with zero problems.

Vince

05-02-2013 08:14 AM

TucsonJay

If you have a large Ace, you will have a better chance that they will have them than a small store. Personally I would use at least four studs. More if you think it is needed. Try not to put any out in the middle. When you tighten them it could distort the 'glass a little.

Be sure to sand the inside of the glass panel with a heavy grit sandpaper like 80, where you are going to put them. Ideally the resin sticks better if you sand deep enough that some 'glass fibers are exposed.

Brush enough resin on the fiberglass mat to soak it good.

Have fun!

05-02-2013 06:07 AM

Ozarkmark

I'll stop by Ace today. How many did you use? Thanks for the tip!

05-01-2013 09:05 PM

TucsonJay

I use bolts from Ace Harware called "elevator bolts". They have a thin round head. I grind both sides of the head off leaving a strip with the stud sticking out. That way they will not spin inside the 'glass.

I use 2-3 layers of 'glass matt with a hole poked in them for the stud to stick out of, then just use resin to glue them on.

05-01-2013 08:45 PM

302 Z28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozarkmark

Thanks. Did you have any trouble getting it lined up with the fenders?

The fenders were not the problem. Getting the top to line up with the lip in the body took the most effort.

Vince

05-01-2013 08:06 PM

Ozarkmark

Thanks. Did you have any trouble getting it lined up with the fenders?

05-01-2013 07:53 PM

302 Z28

On my 34 the only bolts in the gas tank cover are the ones through the fender flange and are hidden. I have no bolts along the top edge below the trunk lid. It just fits in the groove and stays there.

Vince

04-30-2013 06:26 PM

Ozarkmark

I think I'm going to epoxy studs to the inside kind of like sedanbob's buddy did. Don't whether I'll buy them or make something.

04-30-2013 06:25 PM

sedanbob

Brian, The side bolts are hidden, and do go through the flange on the fenders. The upper bolts were on the surface on the original cars - the gas tank cover goes on top of a flange on the back of the body, with the top edge just under a small lip on the body. The picture in gelcoat shows the lip. Mine are on the surface like the originals - lots of guys with fiberglass cars want that smooth look with no bolts showing.

04-30-2013 05:18 PM

MARTINSR

I think a way to do it would be to make a metal strip, an inch and half or so wide going over both bolt holes on each side. Weld the stud to the bottom of both of them then bond it to the panel. But aren't all those bolts covered anyway? The side ones go to the fenders and the upper ones go under the body don't they?

Brian

04-30-2013 04:25 PM

sedanbob

Those look like they ought to work - probably even better if the flat plate was perforated, allowing the adhesive more to hold on to. Just drill a few small holes in them.

04-30-2013 03:52 PM

Ozarkmark

Thanks Bob. Attaching from the underside would minimize pull out. After looking at your attached picture, I found a website for Weld Mount studs. They attach to the underside of a panel with an adhesive. I think I'll give them a try. If they don't work, they can go into the pile of all the other good ideas I've had.

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